Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat: 501 Detained in Statewide Crackdown
Gujarat Police’s Operation Delta Hunt has resulted in the detention of 501 illegal Bangladeshi nationals across the state as of Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, making it one of the largest and most sweeping crackdowns on unauthorised immigration in Gujarat’s recent history.
The operation, launched on Tuesday night, June 3, has been described by authorities as a zero tolerance drive against illegal immigration and threats to national security. Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat has drawn national attention for the scale and speed of its execution, with over 1,200 people screened across multiple districts in under two days.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and the Gujarat DGP office have been providing regular updates on the operation, which is being closely monitored at the highest levels of the state government.
Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat: How the Crackdown Was Carried Out
The intelligence framework behind Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat was built on a combination of telecom data analysis, cyber intelligence, a database of over 6,200 suspicious mobile numbers identified by authorities, and on-the-ground tips from local sources. This multi-layered approach allowed police to identify clusters of suspected illegal immigrants across urban and rural areas of the state before conducting targeted raids.
Raids were carried out across several major cities and districts, with Ahmedabad emerging as the primary focus of the operation. Initial reports indicated over 290 to 300 detentions in Ahmedabad alone, with around 191 confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals so far. Other districts where raids were conducted include Surat, Kutch, Rajkot, Bharuch, and several rural areas across the state.
Breakdowns from earlier phases of the operation indicated that among those screened, 103 were men, 188 were women, and 71 were children. Authorities have confirmed that many of those detained are illegal immigrants who lack valid travel or identity documents, and legal proceedings are being initiated against facilitators, employers, and those who provided shelter to illegal immigrants.
How Illegal Immigrants Entered Gujarat
Investigations into the backgrounds of those detained under Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat have revealed a well-established network that facilitated the illegal entry and settlement of Bangladeshi nationals in the state. According to authorities, many of the detainees entered India through West Bengal, exploiting porous border areas and established routes before making their way to Gujarat in search of employment.
Once in Gujarat, many reportedly obtained forged Aadhaar cards through local agents who charged fees for creating fraudulent identity documents. These forged documents allowed illegal immigrants to blend into local communities, access services, and secure employment in sectors including spas and other service industries.
The use of forged Aadhaar cards is a significant concern for authorities, as it suggests a network of local facilitators actively supporting illegal immigration for financial gain. Police have indicated that action will be taken against these facilitators alongside the deportation process for confirmed illegal immigrants.
Political Context of Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who also holds the Home portfolio in the Gujarat government, has been at the forefront of communicating the operation’s progress to the public. His regular updates on social media have kept the crackdown in the national spotlight and positioned the BJP led Gujarat government as taking a firm stand on illegal immigration.
Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat comes at a time when illegal immigration from Bangladesh has become a politically significant issue across several Indian states, particularly following the political developments in Bangladesh in 2024. Several state governments have launched similar drives in recent months, and Gujarat’s operation is being watched as a model for large-scale verification and detention exercises using technology-driven intelligence gathering.
The operation also has a national security dimension that goes beyond immigration policy. Authorities have described the presence of illegal Bangladeshi nationals in Gujarat, particularly in urban centres, as a potential threat to national security, citing concerns about forged documents, undeclared employment, and the broader security implications of an unverified population operating outside official records.
What Happens Next in Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat
As Operation Delta Hunt Gujarat continues, authorities are proceeding on multiple fronts simultaneously. Verified illegal immigrants are being processed for deportation through established legal channels, while cases are being registered against facilitators, employers who knowingly hired illegal workers, and individuals who provided shelter or accommodation to undocumented immigrants.
The operation remains ongoing, and officials have indicated that the total number of detentions is expected to rise further as raids continue across more districts. With over 1,200 people screened in under two days and 501 confirmed detentions so far, the final numbers are likely to be significantly higher by the time the operation concludes.
Also Read: Amit Shah Reaffirms Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants During Gujarat Visit
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